The CCEA has approved continuation of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) as Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana- Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied sector Rejuvenation (RKVY-RAFTAAR) for three years i.e. 2017-18 to 2019-20. The RKVY-RAFTAAR Scheme’s objective is to make farming remunerative economic activity by strengthening farmer’s effort, risk mitigation and promoting agri­business entrepreneurship.

Key Features of RKVY-RAFTAAR

The scheme aims to fast-track agriculture development by emphasising on development of agriculture infrastructure, specifically post-harvest infrastructure and assets, promotion of value addition linked agri-business models. The financial allocation of scheme is Rs. 15,722 crore and it will be provided to states as 60:40 grants between Centre and States (90:10 for North Eastern States and Himalayan States).

Under it, 50% of annual outlay will be provided for setting up infrastructure and assets, 30% for value-addition linked production projects and 20% of outlay will be flexi-funds for supporting any project as per the local needs.

Moreover, about 20% of the annual outlay will be provided for implementing special sub-schemes of national priorities under RKVY-RAFTAAR. Also, 10% of annual outlay will be provided for innovation and agri-entrepreneur development through creating end-to-end solution, skill development and financial support for setting up the agri-enterprise.

Besides, funding of special sub-schemes of national priorities will get 20% of annual outlay. The sub-schemes includes national priorities such Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India (BGREI), Crop Diversification Program (CDP), Reclamation of Problem Soil (RPS), Foot & Mouth Disease – Control Program (FMD-CP), Saffron Mission, Accelerated Fodder Development Programme (AFDP).

The scheme will incentivize states to enhance more allocation to Agriculture and Allied Sectors. It continuation will therefore keep momentum of agriculture and allied sector growth. It will strengthen farmer’s efforts through creation of agriculture infrastructure that will help in supply of quality inputs, market facilities etc. It will further promote agri-entrepreneurship and support business models that will maximize returns to farmers.

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

RKVY was launched during 2007-08 to achieve 4% annual growth in agricultural sector by ensuring holistic development. The scheme was under implementation from XI Five Year Plan. It has provided considerable flexibility and autonomy to states in planning and executing programmes for incentivizing investment in agriculture and allied sectors. ‎It also has enabled adoption of national priorities without affecting autonomy and flexibility of states.

Under it, ‎States have initiated process of decentralized planning for agriculture and allied sectors through preparation of District Agriculture Plans (DAPs) and State Agriculture Plan (SAP) which was based on agro-climatic conditions and ‎availability of appropriate technology and natural resources. DAPs and SAPs ensured accommodation of local needs, cropping pattern, priorities etc.